Niederländischer Maler des ausgehenden 16. Jahrhunderts
THE TOWER TO BABLE
Oil on copper.
29 x 40.5 cm.

The popular pictorial theme taken up by several painters is reproduced here in a smaller format. Most of the paintings on this theme are based on the "Great Tower of Babel" by Pieter Brueghel the Elder, with various modifications, not only of the building itself, but also of the details and the figures. In addition, several other painters, such as Lucas van Valckenborch (ca. 1535-1597) or Roelant Savery (1576/78-1639), also devoted themselves to the subject. As in most of the examples mentioned, the view of the tower is shown from a higher vantage point further away, with the tower rising from a sandy plain, richly decorated with numerous figures of craftsmen, or, as here, with a camel caravan. In the foreground left a mason's hut with stonemasons at work, on the right a brick oven, in front of it the biblically handed down scene of King Nebuchadnezzar with crown and sceptre, commissioned by a master builder. In the background, as in several comparative examples, a cityscape of Babylon in blue aerial perspective in front of a bay under billowing clouds. (1220791) (2) (11)


Dutch School, late 16th century
THE TOWER OF BABEL
Oil on copper.
29 x 40.5 cm.

The popular artist was one of several painters that took up this subject is depicted here in a small format.